Aliso Viejo Ranch remake on horizon

Aliso Viejo Ranch caretaker James Doyle poses for a photo near an old water tank that sits on display at the ranch. The City of Aliso Viejo has plans to build a new facility that includes a Boys and Girls Club on the site where the Aliso Viejo Ranch currently sits.KATIE DEES, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

1842: Mexican government grants Juan Avila 13,300 acres of land which eventually becomes the Niguel Ranch, which spanned parts of Laguna Niguel, Laguna Hills, Laguna Beach, and Aliso Viejo1895: Moulton family takes title of the Niguel ranch1976: Mission Viejo company purchases 6,600 acres for a planned community - now part of Aliso Viejo1985-1999: Mission Viejo Company courts company executives looking to buy business sites 1990s: Farming on the Moulton Ranch ends 2003: City takes ownership of the Aliso Viejo Ranch 2007: The Aliso Viejo City Council submits a request for proposals for the ranch2009: The city approved an Aliso Viejo Ranch Master Plan.Feb. 2013: City Council approves $39,000 contract for a community center at the ranch May 2013: Boys and Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley unveils $16 million facilityJune 2013: City Council approves $1 million for improvements

Jim Doyle calls the Aliso Viejo Ranch his "little piece of heaven."

An operating engineer by day, Doyle works construction and sometimes travels as much as two hours to San Diego, Los Angeles, all over. When he comes home to the ranch, he said he steps into another world.

"I go to that gate, it closes and your whole life changes," Doyle said. "I love it here."

For a decade, Doyle has watched over one of the last undeveloped pieces of land in Aliso Viejo, located across from Aliso Viejo Middle School at 100 Park Ave., just off the 73 toll road and Aliso Creek Road. He pays about $516 a month in rent in addition to providing security, maintenance and repairs per an agreement he has with the city, according to Aliso Viejo Finance Director Gina Tharani.

But Doyle knows his time is limited on the ranch. The city plans to build a community center that integrates facilities for kids with historic preservation on the 7 acres. In May, Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley board President Mike Chambers said a $16 million "dream building" constructed by the city could serve hundreds of kids in Aliso Viejo and beyond.

A RICH PAST

The ranch's fertile land lies dormant now, but for more than 100 years, workers tilled this area and let farm animals feed on the grass. In the summer, the grass is dry and crisp, but when it rains, the land bursts forth with life in a matter of days, Doyle said.

Long ago, Juan Avila staked out 13,300 acres of ranch land including these 7 acres. In 1842, the Mexican government granted the land to Avila, who named it Rancho Niguel. One of Orange County's founders, Lewis Moulton, purchased the ranch at the turn of the century, and portions of the expansive land remain in the family. Mission Viejo Co. purchased 6,600 acres of it 1976, explained Bob Bunyan, a former planner with Mission Viejo Co. and a local historian who has traced the rancho heritage of Aliso Viejo.

After the Mission Viejo Co.'s purchase, the land was kept a ranch until the 1990s, Bunyan said. But as homes popped up, the cattle also had to go elsewhere.

Doyle saw this change from the days when Don Barnes, the city's last cattle rancher, used to run cattle on the 6,600-acre ranch, in addition to raising pheasants, goats, horses and peacocks at the site he lives on today.

When Aliso Viejo started, Doyle worked on utilities, laying underground pipelines in the city. He became friends with Barnes, and the two would have cookouts and work on projects at the ranch after work. When Barnes moved to a ranch in Tehachapi and Aliso Viejo Ranch needed a new caretaker, Doyle asked Barnes to put in a good word.

When Doyle moved to the ranch, he saw pieces of the farm's history – wagons, buggies, farm tools – spread out on the grass. Doyle described finding a small wagon he believes was made for Lewis' young daughter Louise Moulton, lying broken in a pile that looked like it had fallen apart over years, not moved by the progression of time.

CHANGES AHEAD

Doyle said other than moving the farm tools off the land in the '90s, the ranch has remained relatively unchanged. Right now, in addition to Doyle and his family, the ranch provides a home for squirrels, hawks, owls and whatever else makes its way onto the ranch.

In fact, the summer camp run by Premier Recreation Services has brought the biggest change to the ranch he's seen in recent history. He cleared some brush, and did some grading to keep squirrels out of a play area.

Aliso Viejo Ranch caretaker James Doyle poses for a photo near an old water tank that sits on display at the ranch. The City of Aliso Viejo has plans to build a new facility that includes a Boys and Girls Club on the site where the Aliso Viejo Ranch currently sits. KATIE DEES, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
The City of Aliso Viejo has plans to build a new facility that includes a Boys and Girls Club on the site where the Aliso Viejo Ranch currently sits. KATIE DEES, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
An old water tank sits on display at the Aliso Viejo Ranch. The City of Aliso Viejo has plans to build a new facility that includes a Boys and Girls Club on the site where the Aliso Viejo Ranch currently sits. KATIE DEES, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Aliso Viejo Ranch caretaker James Doyle stands in front of his home on the ranch. The City of Aliso Viejo has plans to build a new facility that includes a Boys and Girls Club on the site where the Aliso Viejo Ranch currently sits. KATIE DEES, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Aliso Viejo Ranch caretaker James Doyle explains how an old planishing hammer works. The hammer is just one of many historical items that are on display at the ranch. KATIE DEES, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

1 of

User Agreement

Keep it civil and stay on topic. No profanity, vulgarity, racial
slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about
tragedies will be blocked. By posting your comment, you agree to
allow Orange County Register Communications, Inc. the right to
republish your name and comment in additional Register publications
without any notification or payment.